1-THE
ANTICHRIST COMES FORTH AND CONFIRMS A COVENANTTHE CONFIRMATION
OF THE COVENANT IS DAY ONE OF THE TRIBULATION

9:27.
AND HE (the Antichrist)SHALL CONFIRM (or sign, or agree to)THE COVENANT (or treaty)FOR ONE WEEK (or one ‘seven,’ or 7 years):AND IN THE MIDST (or middle)OF THE WEEK (of the seven years)HE (the Antichrist)SHALL CAUSE THE SACRIFICE AND THE OBLATION (or offering)TO CEASE (or end), which are taking place at the temple,AND FOR THE OVERSPREADING OF ABOMINATIONS HE SHALL MAKE IT DESOLATE (or
on a wing of the temple, he will set up an abomination that causes desolation-NIV),EVEN UNTIL THE CONSUMMATION (or complete destruction),AND THAT DETERMINED (or that is decreed)SHALL BE POURED UPON THE DESOLATE (or on him, the Antichrist).DAN 9:27 is the seventieth week of Daniel. It is among the most important
Bible prophecy verses for us to understand today. It covers the Antichrist coming
forth and the confirmation of a treaty that begins the Tribulation. It shows
that the Tribulation consists of two parts. It reveals a temple during the Tribulation,
an abomination, and the final prophesied end of the Antichrist.
For today’s student of Bible prophecy, perhaps, no other verse is more important
than Dan 9:27.
Dan 9:27 repeated with commentary.AND HE. This is the Antichrist. Immediately after the Rapture,
the Antichrist comes forth. This is the "prince that shall come,"
in v.26. This is the "little horn," in Dan 7:8. He is also called
the "beast," in Rev 13 and others. He is, "the rider on the white
horse," in Rev 6:2; as it is written, BEHOLD A WHITE HORSE: AND HE THAT
SAT ON HIM HAD A BOW; AND "A CROWN WAS GIVEN UNTO HIM": AND HE WENT
FORTH CONQUERING, AND TO CONQUER. It is presumed that he takes over the EEC—the
European Economic Community. This man of sin, the son of Satan, cannot do this
until God's people are removed.
He SHALL CONFIRM (or sign, or agree to)THE COVENANT (or treaty, or an agreement of some kind). Some type of
covenant, peace treaty, or guarantee for Israel's protection shall emerge. Supposedly,
this treaty will come forth from the EEC. As the presumed head of the EEC, the
Antichrist shall agree to (or sign, or confirm) this document (or agreement,
or covenant)WITH MANY. Israel is at the heart of this agreement. Some type of covenant
shall be confirmed (or agreed to, or signed) with Israel, and with many others
(possibly other nations), and with the AntichristFOR ONE WEEK, which represents seven years. The length of the covenant
or treaty will be seven years. THE CONFIRMATION OR SIGNING OF THIS COVENANT
BEGINS THE TRIBULATION. The seventieth week of Daniel is the Tribulation.

God
warns Israel regarding this treaty and trusting the Antichrist. BECAUSE YE HAVE
SAID (Israel has said), WE HAVE MADE (or entered into) A COVENANT (or treaty)
WITH DEATH (with the Antichrist), AND WITH HELL (or with the grave) ARE WE AT
(or have made an) AGREEMENT. In making a covenant with the Antichrist, Israel,
in effect, was in agreement with hell. WHEN THE OVERFLOWING (or overwhelming)
SCOURGE SHALL PASS THROUGH (or sweeps by), IT SHALL NOT COME UNTO US (or it
cannot touch us): FOR WE (Israel) HAVE MADE LIES (or a lie) OUR REFUGE, AND
UNDER FALSEHOOD HAVE WE HID OURSELVES-Isa 28:15. Israel should have trusted
God for their protection. Instead, they chose to make falsehood their hiding
place, protection, and hope. They have trusted in lies—in the Antichrist—for
their security, their refuge, and their hope for peace. Israel believes that,
because of the covenant with the Antichrist, when the overwhelming scourge shall
pass through, they will be protected. They are blind to the truth of what they
have done. As it is written, FOR WHEN THEY SHALL SAY, PEACE AND SAFETY; THEN
SUDDEN DESTRUCTION COMETH UPON THEM, AS TRAVAIL UPON A WOMAN WITH CHILD (or
as labor pains on a pregnant woman-NIV); AND THEY SHALL NOT ESCAPE-1 Thes 5:3.
The Russian-Arab invasion of Israel shall take place.
Jesus foretold that this would happen; as it is written,
I AM COME IN MY FATHER’S NAME, AND YE RECEIVE ME NOT: IF ANOTHER SHALL COME
IN HIS OWN NAME (which is the Antichrist), HIM YE WILL RECEIVE-Jn 5:43. Israel
turns to the Antichrist for protection. Later in the Tribulation, many in Israel
shall receive the Antichrist as their Messiah.
God tells Israel, regarding the covenant with the Antichrist,
AND YOUR COVENANT WITH DEATH SHALL BE DISANNULLED, AND YOUR AGREEMENT WITH HELL
SHALL NOT STAND; WHEN THE OVERFLOWING (or overwhelming) SCOURGE SHALL PASS THROUGH
(or sweeps by), THEN YE SHALL BE TRODDEN (or beaten) DOWN BY IT. The very agreement
that Israel thought would be their protection is now going to be their downfall.
FROM THE TIME THAT IT GOETH FORTH IT SHALL TAKE YOU (or carry you away): FOR
MORNING BY MORNING SHALL IT PASS OVER (or sweep through), BY DAY AND BY NIGHT:
AND IT SHALL BE A VEXATION (or sheer terror) ONLY TO UNDERSTAND THE REPORT (or
message)-Isa 28:18,19. It will bring sheer terror to those that can understand
what has happened and the report or message.
FOR THE BED IS SHORTER THAN THAT A MAN CAN STRETCH HIMSELF
ON IT: AND THE COVERING NARROWER THAN THAT HE CAN WRAP HIMSELF IN IT-Isa 28:20.
The bed and covenant represent the Antichrist. The bed is too short. One cannot
wrap himself in it for warmth and protection. Likewise, the covering that the
Antichrist offers is not sufficient. It will not accomplish the purpose that
Israel thought it would. It will not save them. It cannot protect them. The
only true protection that a person can really have is Jesus. All other beds
are too short, and all other coverings are too narrow. All other coverings will
pass away.AND IN THE MIDST (or middle) OF THE WEEK (or in the midst of the
7 year Tribulation). This gives a time frame of 3 ½ years, or 42 months from
the end of the Tribulation. The last 42 months of the Tribulation is also called
the "Great Tribulation." (Note: There are certain verses that indicate
the first 3 1/2 years of the Tribulation are cut short in some way.)HE (the Antichrist) SHALL CAUSE THE SACRIFICE AND THE OBLATION
(or offering) TO CEASE (or end). Sometime during the first part of the
Tribulation, a temple will be built in Jerusalem. Sacrifices and oblations will
begin as in olden times. However, in the midst of the week, the Antichrist shall
be killed, but then return to life. He moves into the temple in Jerusalem. Then
HE AS GOD SITTETH IN THE TEMPLE OF GOD, SHOWING HIMSELF THAT HE IS GOD-2 Thes
2:4. The Antichrist shall stop the sacrifices and oblations.AND FOR THE OVERSPREADING OF ABOMINATIONS. Because of the abominations
being spread or placed in the templeHE (the Antichrist) SHALL MAKE IT (the temple) DESOLATE
(or on a wing of the temple he will set up an abomination that causes desolation-NIV).
This is referred to as the "abomination of desolation," in Mt 24:15.
The temple is defiled. The Antichrist, the son of Satan, moves into the temple.
Some kind of abomination is set up on a wing of the temple. Perhaps, the image
that was made to the beast will be placed there. People will be required to
worship it or be put to death-ref Rev 13:14,15. As it is written, THE DAILY
SACRIFICE SHALL BE TAKEN AWAY, AND THE ABOMINATION THAT MAKETH DESOLATE SET
UP-Dan 12:11.EVEN UNTIL THE CONSUMMATION (or end)." The Antichrist shall reign
for 3 ½ years (or 42 months, or 1260 days) until the end, the time that has
been determined for him to reign. Immediately after the Tribulation, Jesus shall
return at the time of Armageddon. When Jesus returns,AND THAT DETERMINED (or that is decreed)SHALL BE POURED UPON THE DESOLATE (or on him, the Antichrist). What God
has decreed in His Word shall be poured upon (or done to) the one that made
the temple desolate, the Antichrist. The Antichrist and false prophet shall
be cast alive into the lake of fire-ref Rev 19:20. The Antichrist SHALL BE BROKEN-Dan
8:25. For THAT WICKED...THE LORD SHALL CONSUME WITH THE SPIRIT OF HIS MOUTH-2
Thes 2:8.

4-WOE
TO THEM THAT REJECT THE LOVE OF THE TRUTH NOW,
BECAUSE THEY CHOOSE PLEASURE IN SIN

The Rapture takes place. Some people are taken, but most are left behind. The
unsaved people that are left behind can be divided into two groups.Group one
are those that did not get saved, because they refused to receive the Gospel.
They believed not the truth, but had pleasure in wickedness.Group two
are those that did not get saved, however, not for the same reasons as group
one. This second group, if they are not killed near the beginning, should have
at least one more chance to be saved during the Tribulation. Nevertheless, most
who do get saved will be martyred for the name of Jesus.It is written, AND WITH ALL
DECEIVABLENESS OF UNRIGHTEOUSNESS IN THEM THAT PERISH (or in every sort of evil
that deceives those who are perishing-NIV, he will enable him to deceive, in
all kinds of wicked ways, those who are headed for destruction-JNT35);
BECAUSE THEY RECEIVED NOT (or refused) THE LOVE OF THE TRUTH, THAT THEY MIGHT
BE SAVED (or that could have saved them-JNT36). AND FOR THIS CAUSE
(or reason) GOD SHALL SEND THEM (a) STRONG (or powerful) DELUSION (causing them
to go astray-JNT37), THAT THEY SHOULD BELIEVE A (or the) LIE. (The
result will be) THAT THEY ALL MIGHT BE DAMNED (or condemned) WHO BELIEVED NOT
THE TRUTH, BUT HAD PLEASURE (or delighted) IN UNRIGHTEOUSNESS (or wickedness)-2
Thes 2:10-12.Verses 10 to 12 all go together.
They appear to be speaking to the people of the last church age (the Laodicean
age) that will conclude or end with the Rapture. This is the church age
that we are now in. These verses give a very stern warning to these people.This message demonstrates that
the unrighteousness and evil, which is in these people, or embraced by them,
shall deceive them (deceivableness or deception of unrighteousness in them that
perish). Sin deceives. This is because these people would not receive God’s
Word, Jesus (the love of the truth or to love the truth), so that they could
be saved.This grave warning goes forth
to those that would not receive God’s Word (the love of the truth) and would
not believe the truth of God’s Word that they might be saved, but had pleasure
(or delight, or fun, or enjoyment) in doing or practicing sin (or wickedness,
or unrighteousness).It might be paraphrased in
this way. This extreme warning from God is to those that choose to reject Jesus,
because they have fun in doing wickedness.For this reason, when the Antichrist
comes forth, God Himself will send them a strong delusion, or strong thoughts,
so that the lie of the Antichrist becomes truth to them, and the truth of God’s
Word is perceived as a lie. God does this, so there is no possible way for them
to be saved—that they all might be damned and perish for eternity.

5-THE
TRIBULATION BEGINS Pt 1
THE 144,000 SEALED

Following the destruction of the Russian military and its allies, which attack
Israel during or near the beginning of the Tribulation, 144,000 male, virgin
Jews should come to faith in Jesus Christ. There will be 12,000 from each of
the twelve tribes of Israel. They will go forth to preach the Gospel. However,
it appears, that just prior to the Russian invasion, the 144,000 will be sealed
by God. This may be something that both they and the world are unaware of. This
sealing may take place before they come to faith in Jesus, by the foreknowledge
of God.It is written, AND AFTER THESE
THINGS I SAW. This does not indicate that the next items happened after the
seven seals, but rather that John saw them after the seals. John saw FOUR ANGELS
STANDING ON (or at) THE FOUR CORNERS OF THE EARTH, representing all four directions,
HOLDING THE FOUR WINDS OF THE EARTH. No specific information is given to us
about these angels, other than they are controlling the wind. They are holding
the wind that it SHOULD NOT BLOW ON THE EARTH, NOR ON THE SEA, NOR ON ANY TREE
(or that no wind should blow)-Rev 7:1. Prior to the servants of God being sealed
in (or on) their foreheads, all wind on the planet should cease.AND I SAW ANOTHER ANGEL ASCENDING
(or coming up) FROM THE EAST, HAVING THE SEAL OF THE LIVING GOD: AND HE CRIED
(or shouted) WITH A LOUD VOICE TO THE FOUR ANGELS, TO WHOM IT WAS GIVEN TO HURT
THE EARTH AND THE SEA-Rev 7:2.SAYING, HURT NOT THE EARTH
(or land), NEITHER THE SEA, NOR THE TREES, TILL WE (plural) HAVE SEALED THE
SERVANTS OF OUR GOD IN (or on) THEIR FOREHEADS-Rev 7:3. The fifth angel is not
identified. Some believe it could be Jesus. The Scriptures indicate, once the
servants of God are sealed, great hurt or damage will come forth from the four
winds of the earth. It indicates that the sea, the trees, and the earth will
go through some form of a great catastrophe. This would indicate that the sealing
of God’s servants may come just prior to the Russian invasion of Israel. It
may indicate that they will be protected from what is about to come. God’s wrath
is about to be unleashed, but certain preordained servants of God will be protected.
Some may presume that these become saved at this point. Nevertheless, this is
not made clear. By His foreknowledge of knowing who will be saved, God will
protect the future saints, even though they have not yet given their life to
Jesus. He has specific works ordained for them to do at some future date. The
kind of seal that will be used (or if they will even be aware of the seal) is
not made clear. It obviously is necessary to protect them, as was already mentioned.
This sealing would also indicate ownership and may be necessary for the work
that they are called of God to do. Many believe it is the seal of the Holy Spirit,
but with no visible evidence. Nevertheless, it is visible to the spiritual realm.AND I HEARD THE NUMBER (or
how many) OF THEM WHICH WERE SEALED: AND THERE WERE SEALED AN HUNDRED AND FORTY
AND FOUR THOUSAND (144,000) OF ALL THE TRIBES OF THE CHILDREN OF ISRAEL-Rev
7:4. These are Jews. The names "Jew and Israel" are synonymous
with each other and are used interchangeably throughout the Scriptures.Twelve thousand were sealed
out of each of the twelve tribes of the children of Israel. These tribes included
(1) Juda, (2) Reuben, (3) Gad, (4) Aser, (5) Nepthalim, (6) Manasses, (7) Simeon,
(8) Levi, (9) Issachar, (10) Zabulon, (11) Joseph, (12) Benjamin-ref Rev 7:5-8.Obviously missing is the tribe
of Dan. Some speculate that the Antichrist will arise from this tribe; thus,
during the Tribulation period, the tribe of Dan is omitted from being sealed-ref
Gen 49:17. During the Millennium, however, the tribe of Dan will be included
among the children of Israel. Ephraim, the son of Joseph, the second born, is
also missing.The Scriptures indicate that
these Jews are single and are virgins. There is no lie in their mouth at all-ref
Rev 14:4,5. They will go forth to preach the Gospel of the kingdom-ref Mt 24:14.

6-RUSSIA
AND ITS ALLIES INVADE ISRAEL (A main commentary)

Israel now expects there will be peace, because of the covenant or treaty with
the Antichrist. A thought comes into the mind of the Russian leader to invade
Israel. It is God that brings Russia and its allies forth to invade. Even though
God brings them, He is against them and will ultimately destroy them to fulfill
His purpose.The leader of Russia (Gog)
assembles what may be the largest military armada ever put together in the history
of the world. This enormous military force (of millions of troops) is backed
up with a vast navy and air force, having missiles, advanced technology, spy
satellites, and other sophisticated Russian weaponry. As the second seal is
broken, war appears to come unexpectedly upon Israel. Russia and its many allies
attack Israel. They come fast as a whirlwind and as a cloud to cover the land.
They come with many ships by the Mediterranean Sea and possibly the Red Sea.
They appear to come from the north and also from the northeast, through Jordan.
They appear to come from the southwest, from Africa. They come from the air
with an airborne invasion. In other words, the invasion seems to come from nearly
every direction, including the ground, the sea, and the air.They invade Israel for the
purpose of coming against the Jews and to obtain food, various goods, and riches,
including silver and gold.The little nation of Israel
appears to be overwhelmed. One moment they are dwelling safely. The next moment
Israel is surrounded on nearly every side by the biggest invasion force ever
assembled in the history of the world. Russia and its allies sweep through many
nations; however, the chief of Amman shall escape. Egypt appears to fall to
Russia. Russia may double-cross Libya and Ethiopia and be on their doorsteps.Israel’s situation is hopeless.
They begin to turn to God with all their heart, with fasting, with weeping,
and mourning. They cry out, "Spare thy people, O Lord."Then the Lord comes to their
rescue. He is jealous for His land and pities His people.

Ethiopia is involved in the invasion. Since they are located in Africa, south
of Israel, we could surmise that in some way they will invade from the south
or southwest.Russia and Iran could attack
from the northeast, coming by way of Iraq and through Jordan. Some believe Iraq
may also be involved in this invasion.Russia and its allies could
also come by the way between the Black and Caspian seas, through Turkey and
Syria. This would be from the north. Some believe Turkey will be allied with
Russia in this invasion. Others also believe Syria will be involved in this
invasion. An airborne drop into Lebanon could enable Russia to attack northern
Israel by land. This could be reinforced by Russian ships dropping troops into
Lebanon.Libya could come by the Mediterranean
Sea or through Egypt from the west or southwest.Russia, with its many ships,
could also be expected to attack from the Mediterranean Sea. This would be from
the west.As already mentioned, an airborne
invasion also seems to be involved. The airborne invasion, using Russia’s advanced
air force, could neutralize much of Israel’s early warning detection systems
located on various hills and mountains. A specialized aerial bombing could also
neutralize much of Israel’s early warning devices, along with certain Russian
military satellites.Russia, through use of its
sophisticated satellite photography, could know almost minute by minute how
Israel’s troops and air force were being deployed. They could also tune in electronically
to much of Israel’s communications or even jam it.This is only speculation based
on the location of some of the hostile, attacking countries. Such an invasion
could be devastating with millions of troops advancing, quickly and simultaneously,
from four directions including the air. The tiny country of Israel would appear
to have no chance. Israel’s forces could be spread so thin that they could simply
be overwhelmed.

8-THE
INVASION CONTINUES

One or more African nations shall engage Israel in battle. Russia will come
like a whirlwind with many vehicles, perhaps tanks and artillery. They shall
also come with many ships and possibly submarines.Russia shall also invade other
countries and shall sweep through them like a flood. Many shall be overthrown.
Russia shall enter into Israel. The chief of Jordan shall escape out of his
hand. Russia shall come against many countries. Egypt shall not escape. Russia
may double-cross Libya and Ethiopia and be at their steps.

9-WHEN
GOG ATTACKS ISRAEL, GOD’S FURY SHALL RISE UP

Once
Russia (Gog) has attacked Israel, God will be very angry. He will be jealous
for His land.

10-GOD
WANTS ISRAEL TO TURN AND TRUST HIM

Israel
had turned from God. The Lord then brings the greatest military armada, in the
history of the world, upon little Israel. Israel has no chance. God wants Israel
to turn and trust Him for deliverance. When they finally are willing to turn
to God and to cry out to Him for help, then the Lord will deliver them. This
same message may also cover many times in the past for Israel.

11-THE
RUSSIAN MILITARY AND ITS ALLIES BEING DESTROYED BY GOD

From this point on, the end of the brief war takes two directions. One is the
destruction of the Russian invasion force and its allies in Israel. This is
done supernaturally by God.The other is the destruction
of the land or nation of Russia and events related to it. These, in turn, result
in the death of one-fourth of the world’s population. Both events appear to
happen at about the same time.

12-(A
main commentary)

God comes to Israel’s rescue.The leader of Russia hears
news that disturbs him coming from the east and from the north. The war now
seems to be divided on two fronts.One is Russia’s war against
other nations that may come to try to stop him. The other is the continuing
battle against Israel.A great earthquake occurs in
Israel. Men shake, because of the presence of the Lord. God begins to fight.
Mountains are thrown down and cliffs crumble. The Dome of the Rock in Jerusalem
may crumble at this time.God begins to destroy the great
military forces that attacked Israel. He does it in such a way that both Jews
and Gentiles will recognize there is a God, and His name is Jesus. The invading
soldiers turn against each other and begin killing each other. Plagues strike
the troops and they begin dropping dead. Torrential rains come, and gigantic
hailstones fall from the sky. Fire and sulfur begin to rain from the sky. The
weapons and ammunition of the invading troops fall from their hands. Most in
this great military force die upon the mountains and open fields of Israel.
Only one soldier in six is left alive. The invasion forces are devastated. God’s
Word tells us, FOR ISRAEL HATH NOT BEEN FORSAKEN, NOR JUDAH OF HIS GOD, OF THE
LORD OF HOSTS; THOUGH THEIR LAND WAS FILLED WITH SIN AGAINST THE HOLY ONE OF
ISRAEL-Jere 51:5. This verse has been fulfilled in the past, but also appears
to apply to the latter days.

13-NEWS
SHALL BOTHER RUSSIA

During
the Russian invasion of Israel, Russia apparently hears news (possibly from
China and possibly from the EEC or perhaps the North Atlantic Treaty Organization)
that troubles him. The USA is a part of NATO as of the writing of this book.
It may be that Russia and its allies do not expect the USA or EEC to oppose
them.

14-THERE
WILL BE A GREAT EARTHQUAKE

God’s
fury comes up as a result of the great military armada coming against Israel.
An earthquake occurs in the land of Israel at the presence of Almighty God.
It may well be, at this time, the Dome of the Rock will crumble, which would
clear the way for the building of the Tribulation temple. One might wonder,
if this earthquake is actually the beginning of the destruction of these massive
forces that came against Israel. One could envision Russian tanks and artillery
being swallowed up. Clearly, men will be terrified and utterly shaken.

15-A
SWORD AGAINST GOG

The end of this great invasion force is at hand. God destroys them in such a
fashion that the world will recognize there really is a God in heaven and that
His name is Jesus. We have noted as a result of the earthquake that men will
be afraid.Then the invading soldiers
will turn against each other and begin killing each other. God did this in Judges
7:22. All of a sudden, a plague hits the troops, and they begin dropping dead.
God did this in 2 Ki 19:35 and Isa 37:36; 185,000 Assyrians died in one night.
Great torrential rains and huge hailstones fall upon the invading armies. God
also cast down hailstones from heaven in Jos 10:11.Fire and burning sulfur begin
to rain from the sky, perhaps much like it did upon Sodom and Gomorrah. The
weapons and ammunition of the invading troops will drop out of their hands.
Masses of troops will die upon the mountains and the open fields of Israel.It will be done by God, for
He has spoken it. The world will know that there is a God in heaven.

16-ONE-SIXTH
WILL BE LEFT

A
huge military force had attacked Israel. Millions of troops were probably involved.
Nevertheless, after God unleashes His wrath upon them, only one in six is left
alive. Out of every six soldiers, five are now dead, yet their destruction may
take only a few hours.

17-THE
LAND OF RUSSIA AND THE UNITED STATES BEING DESTROYED BY NUCLEAR WEAPONS:
ONE-FOURTH OF THE WORLD’S POPULATION DIES (A main commentary)

Russia hears of tidings; he then goes forth in a rage to destroy many. The Revelation
seems to depict one-fourth of the world’s population being killed as a result
of this war. This mass destruction appears to last only eight hours and has
all the earmarks of a nuclear exchange. Deadly gas may also be included. Neutron
weapons could be involved.There are only two nations
in the world that are capable of causing such mass destruction. They are the
United States and Russia.During Russia’s invasion of
Israel, something seems to trigger them to attempt to destroy the United States
with nuclear weapons. It may be something that they hear. It appears that Russia
sends a combination of its ICBM’s (intercontinental ballistic missiles) and
submarine missiles raining down upon the USA. They may also send missiles against
any other nation considered a threat. Russia may think that the surprise attack
will destroy the United States and that no retaliation will come forth against
them.Nevertheless, the United States
appears to retaliate against the land of Russia with nuclear weapons. Both nations
may be almost totally annihilated. As a result of this nuclear exchange, a third
part of the trees of the earth are burned up. This appears to be the size of
the total land area of the nations of the earth that are involved in this war.Also, all green grass, all
over the world, is burned up. This indicates that the farm crops, all over the
world, are destroyed, possibly from radioactive fallout. Mass starvation follows.Then a third part of the sea
creatures die. This would cause further starvation. A third of the world’s ships
are destroyed. This may include the ships of the USA, Russia, and other countries
involved in this war. Then something strikes the earth, and a third of the fountains
and rivers become poisoned or bitter with wormwood. This may indicate that the
waters become radioactive. Many men die from these waters.The nuclear exchange may last
only eight hours. During this eight hours, the light of the sun, moon, and stars
over one-third of the earth does not shine.Massive famine occurs all over
the earth. Multitudes of people starve to death. Countries that currently have
food shortages, or that depend a great deal on farming, may be the hardest hit.As a result of this devastating
nuclear exchange, one out of every four people on planet Earth die. The population
of the world, as of the writing of this book, is between five and six billion
people. Consider, over one billion people will die; of this staggering number—every
single one will perish to hell.Consider the nations and their
populations that are listed as being involved in this war. Consider that the
EEC often seems to be alluded to during the Tribulation. Israel is the focal
point during the Tribulation. In light of these things, there seems to be one
inescapable conclusion: much of the over one billion people that die come from
the USA and Russia. It is very likely that much of the population of Russia
will be killed, as well as much of the population of the United States. The
USA will be punished for its sin. In the United States and Russia, those that
do not repent, before the Tribulation, may not have another chance to repent
thereafter, as many of them could be dead. The nations of Iran, and possibly
Iraq, Libya, Ethiopia, and all the nations that are involved with Russia during
this invasion, will likely suffer great destruction and loss of life.From this point on, the EEC
and Israel become the focal point in the world. The United States and
Russia appear to be out of the picture during the rest of the Tribulation,
after having rained mass destruction upon each other.The Lord says, "IT IS
COME, AND IT IS DONE"-Ezek 39:8.As a result of God’s supernatural
destruction of the greatest war machine ever assembled to date, many people
throughout the world will understand that there is a God. Many will begin to
understand that Jesus is the only way to be saved. He will be known in the eyes
of many nations. The heathen and those that dwell in the isles shall know that
Jesus is the Lord. The house of Israel shall know that Jesus is the Lord from
that day and forward.

18-FIRE
SENT UPON THE ISLES

The
leader of Russia can be expected to go forth in fury to destroy many. This may
be the beginning of the destruction of the United States and perhaps some other
countries. God shows that He will send fire on them that dwell safely in the
isles. The fire may be nuclear, multihead missiles coming down from the sky
that will bring a fiery destruction. Again, this may be indicating that Russia
will be used by God to bring judgment upon the United States, for its turning
away from Jesus and its great wickedness, after the born-again Christians have
been removed in the Rapture. The time it takes for the nuclear missiles to strike
the United States, launched from Russia, could be as little as fifteen minutes.
The time for the nuclear missiles from Russian submarines to strike the United
States could be 8 minutes or less.
It is written, THEREFORE HE (Gog or Magog - Russia) SHALL GO FORTH WITH GREAT
FURY (or in a great rage) TO DESTROY, AND UTTERLY TO MAKE AWAY (or annihilate)
MANY-Dan 11:44.
AND I WILL SEND A FIRE ON…THEM THAT DWELL CARELESSLY (or in safety) IN THE ISLES
(or coastlands)-Ezek 39:6.

19-FIRE
SENT UPON THE COUNTRY OF RUSSIA

Nevertheless, the United States can be expected to retaliate against Russia
with its own nuclear missiles, just prior to its destruction.It is written, AND I WILL SEND
A FIRE ON MAGOG (which is the land of Russia)-Ezek 39:6.

20-THE
FIRST TRUMPET

THE FIRST ANGEL SOUNDED (his shofar or trumpet), AND THERE FOLLOWED (or came)
HAIL (which may be hailstones or missiles raining down upon the earth) AND FIRE
MINGLED (or mixed) WITH BLOOD. The hail and fire may well represent a nuclear
exchange between Russia and the United States. The blood may represent a very
great number of people being killed. This nuclear exchange may be the result
of the Russian-Arab invasion of Israel. We may be reminded of the great fireball
and heat that results from a nuclear explosion and the multitudes of fires that
would occur. The blood could be a result of this. Hail and fire are also mentioned
in Ex 9:23.The hail and fire mixed with
blood WERE CAST (or hurled down) UPON THE EARTH: (and a third of the earth was
burned up-NASB) AND THE THIRD PART OF TREES WAS BURNT UP. As a result of such
a nuclear exchange, one-third of all the trees on planet Earth are burned up
or destroyed. This may also indicate that one-third of the world’s land mass
will be directly involved in the war. If one would consider all the nations
involved in this conflict (as listed in Ezekiel chapter 38) and add in the United
States and the nations of the EEC, the result would appear to be one-third of
the land surface of the earth. This, in itself, is an incredible prophecy.The verse continues, AND ALL
GREEN GRASS WAS BURNT UP-Rev 8:7. As a consequence of the nuclear exchange and
the resulting radioactive fallout, all green grass is burned up or destroyed
over the entire earth. Consider, all farm crops worldwide being burned up and
destroyed. There would be famine and starvation such as the world could not
imagine. Places like Africa, China, and India would see countless people starve.
The entire world would be hard hit. Food prices would soar. It would take a
day’s wages to buy a day’s worth of food. There is also a similarity between
this verse and Ezek 38:22; ref Rev 6:3,4, the red horse—war.

Hail and fire mingled
with blood

Cast upon the earth

A third part of the
trees are burned up

All green grass is
burned up

21-NUCLEAR
WEAPONS TODAY

Few people today understand the power of the nuclear weapons that exist. Consider
the nuclear bombs that were dropped in World War II. They were each rated at
20,000 pounds of TNT. Some of today’s bombs are rated at 50 million pounds of
TNT. This is approximately 2500 times more powerful. Can one conceive a single
bomb now being equal to 2500 World War II nuclear bombs combined? Can a person
conceive that a single missile could carry many nuclear bombs at once and that
each individual bomb can be pinpointed to its own specific target as it makes
its descent to the earth? Can we understand that both Russia and the United
States have enough of these weapons left that either country could destroy all
life on the earth several times? Can we understand what would happen, if the
United States and Russia unleashed this destructive force against the other
in what may be called World War III?When such a bomb explodes,
immediately there is a flash of light that is so intense, a person’s
eyes can be instantly destroyed. The heat of the blast is so intense,
a person can be instantly fried like an egg. The resulting blast is such
that virtually nothing will be left standing within a certain proximity, depending
on the size of the bomb. Next there is the reverse blast coming back
in toward the center.There is also the unseen radioactivity.
This is the silent killer. As a result, nothing within a certain range of the
bomb will live. As the cloud from the bomb rises high into the atmosphere, it
is full of radioactive fallout that rains down upon the earth as the winds blow
the cloud this way or that. This can continue for a long period of time, resulting
in radioactive poisoning of the crops or any living thing that is in its path.
It may be said, the crops will be burnt up. Entire areas of land can be so poisoned
from the radioactivity that no person can safely dwell or plant crops there
for many years to come.The first four trumpets appear
to be showing us the results of such a nuclear exchange.We can surmise that both Russia
and the United States may nearly destroy each other; for this reason,
there appears to be an absence of Scripture concerning the United States during
most of the Tribulation.Trumpets number one through
four appear to be dealing with the war and aftereffects of the war of Ezekiel
chapters 38 and 39, as well as seal two, three, and four of Rev 6:3-8. This
is the Russian-Arab invasion of Israel.

22-THE
SECOND TRUMPET

It is written, AND THE SECOND ANGEL SOUNDED (his shofar or trumpet). John then
saw, AS IT WERE (or what looked like) A GREAT (or huge) MOUNTAIN BURNING WITH
FIRE (or all ablaze) WAS CAST (or hurled) INTO THE SEA. Missiles coming through
the atmosphere might fit this description of what John saw. As a result of this
huge object being hurled into the sea, three things are described.1-AND THE THIRD PART OF THE
SEA BECAME (or turned into) BLOOD-Rev 8:8.2-AND THE THIRD PART OF THE
CREATURES WHICH WERE IN THE SEA, AND HAD LIFE, DIED;3-AND THE THIRD PART OF THE
SHIPS WERE DESTROYED-Rev 8:9. From this, it appears, not only will the war take
place on one-third of the land surface of the world, but also one-third of the
seas or oceans will also become involved. One-third of the world’s ships may
number several thousand. One unconfirmed source has put the total number of
ships in the world at approximately 45,000. There would also be a huge number
of casualties from this.Again, we should try to understand
what John saw in the context of what he would have perceived in his day. John
saw something large that appeared to be burning. It was cast into the sea. This
appears to tell us that it came from above the sea, from the sky. As a result
of this huge burning object being hurled into the sea, one-third of the sea
became blood, one-third of the sea creatures died, and one-third of the ships
were destroyed. In view of today’s technology, this seems to indicate some sort
of huge weapon or accumulation of weapons, such as missiles armed with nuclear
warheads, entering the atmosphere. The purpose may be to destroy ships. This
could be Russian military forces seeking to destroy the U.S. vessels, including
submarines, and the United States responding by destroying Russia’s ships. The
end result appears to be that one-third of the world’s ships were destroyed,
but in the same manner, one-third of the sea life also died. The sea became
blood.

As a great mountain
burning with fire

Cast into the sea

One-third of the
sea became blood

One-third of the
creatures in the sea died

One-third of the
ships were destroyed

23-THE
THIRD TRUMPET

It is written, AND THE THIRD ANGEL SOUNDED (his shofar, or trumpet), AND THERE
FELL A GREAT STAR FROM HEAVEN (or sky), BURNING AS IT WERE A LAMP (or a torch).
This could be some form of military device or missile entering the atmosphere.
Such a device could appear as a "great star burning as a lamp." Its
appearance could be as a giant shooting star. John noted that IT FELL (from
the sky or heaven) UPON THE THIRD PART OF THE RIVERS, AND UPON THE FOUNTAINS
(or springs) OF WATERS-Rev 8:10.AND THE NAME OF THE STAR IS
CALLED WORMWOOD (or bitterness): AND THE THIRD PART OF THE WATERS BECAME WORMWOOD
(or bitter): AND MANY MEN (or people) DIED OF THE WATERS, BECAUSE THEY WERE
MADE BITTER-Rev 8:11.As a result of the object that
John saw falling from the sky, one-third of the rivers and springs of waters
become deadly or poisoned. Some might consider that this object, as it was coming
down from the sky, could split into many pieces or objects, such as a multiple
warhead missile (an intercontinental ballistic missile whose several warheads
can be scattered). Some form of specially designed biological or radioactive
devices, or even radioactive fallout from nuclear explosions, could cause the
rivers and fountains to become poisoned, resulting in many deaths.Wormwood is mentioned in the
Scriptures twice in the New Testament and also seven times in the Old Testament
("apsinthos" in Greek).
The word "wormwood" has been highly researched by Bible scholars.
One problem we have is that certain things, which exist today, were unknown
to the people at the time this was written. No word existed in their language
to accurately describe what this or that was. In the case of the name "wormwood,"
as it is used here, many believe it is referring to radioactivity. Should this
great object falling from the sky cause the rivers and springs to become radioactive,
then they could be deadly to people that drink them; indeed, many could die
from the waters, as they had become poisoned (or radioactive).Again, these things seem to
help explain in more detail, what we call, World War III.

A great star fell
from heaven

Burning as it were
a lamp

It fell upon the
third part of the rivers

It fell upon the
third part of the fountains of water

The name of the star
was Wormwood

The third part of
the waters became wormwood, or bitter, or poisoned

Many people died

24-THE
FOURTH TRUMPET

AND THE FOURTH ANGEL SOUNDED (his shofar or trumpet), AND THE THIRD PART OF
THE SUN WAS SMITTEN (or struck), AND THE THIRD PART OF THE MOON, AND THE THIRD
PART OF THE STARS. The terms sun, moon, and stars would indicate all over the
earth. For when the sun is shining in one place, on the opposite side of the
earth the moon and stars should be shining. The term "one-third" is
explained next. SO AS THE THIRD PART OF THEM WAS DARKENED, AND THE DAY SHONE
NOT (or was without light) FOR A THIRD PART OF IT, AND THE NIGHT LIKEWISE-Rev
8:12. This is showing us that one-third of the day was darkened. One-third of
the night was darkened. Consider, the day is approximately twelve hours long.
The night is approximately twelve hours long. One-third of the day would equal
four hours. One-third of the night would equal four hours. Put them together
and they would equal eight hours. It may be that the nuclear exchange between
Russia and the United States will last eight hours. As a result of these eight
hours, seal four, which is death, will claim over one billion lives-ref Rev
6:7,8. Death will claim one-fourth of the world’s population. The mass of nuclear
and other kinds of devastating explosions (for perhaps eight hours) and the
resulting very thick cloud cover may cause the sun, moon, and stars to all be
darkened for eight hours.This may also denote the total
surface area of the earth that will be covered by these dense clouds, blocking
the light of the sun, moon, and stars as a result of the war.

AND WHEN HE (the Lamb, Jesus) HAD OPENED (or broke) THE THIRD SEAL, I HEARD
THE THIRD BEAST (or living being, which had the face of a man) SAY, COME AND
SEE. AND I BEHELD, AND LO A BLACK HORSE (before me); AND HE THAT SAT ON HIM
(its rider) HAD A PAIR OF BALANCES (or scales) IN HIS HAND-Rev 6:5.AND I HEARD (what sounded like)
A VOICE IN THE MIDST OF THE FOUR BEASTS (or living beings) SAY, A MEASURE (or
two pounds, or a quart) OF WHEAT (what may be considered a day’s food) FOR A
PENNY (or a day’s wages), AND THREE MEASURES (or six pounds, or three quarts)
OF BARLEY FOR A PENNY (or a day’s wages). We seem to have a picture of the existing
food carefully being measured out on a scale or set of balances. This appears
to be showing the extreme scarcity of food upon the earth.AND SEE THOU HURT NOT (or do
not damage) THE OIL AND THE WINE-Rev 6:6. Some believe that this last part of
the passage is indicating there will not be enough money leftover to buy any
oil or wine, or that even the rich will be hindered from buying oil and wine.
The exact meaning of this passage is uncertain.Already there is starvation
in some places around the world. However, seal two describes to us the results
of a massive war, where famine seems to exist all over the world. We might consider
asking, what would be the results of a massive war that used nuclear weapons?
As radioactive fallout occurred, farm crops all over the earth could be ruined.
Do the Scriptures indicate that this war will involve nuclear weapons? The answer
appears to be, yes.Famines are also mentioned
during the Tribulation in Mt 24:7.The worldwide famine follows
the great war; thus, it can be expected to commence at the beginning of the
Tribulation.

26-THE
FOURTH SEAL: ONE-FOURTH OF THE WORLD’S POPULATION DIES

AND WHEN HE (the Lamb, Jesus) HAD OPENED (or broke) THE FOURTH SEAL, I HEARD
THE VOICE OF THE FOURTH BEAST (or living creature, which was like a flying eagle)
SAY, COME AND SEE-Rev 6:7. Some have wondered that since the emblem of the USA
is the eagle with outstretched wings—could this mean trouble for the United
States?AND I LOOKED, AND BEHOLD (in
front of me) A PALE (or pallid, sickly-looking) HORSE. The word used here could
indicate a pale green, such as a dead green or a dying green. AND HIS NAME THAT
SAT ON HIM WAS DEATH (its rider was named death-NIV). There has just been a
great war. Famines resulted. Death AND HELL (or sh’ol, or Hades) FOLLOWED WITH
HIM (or close behind him, close behind death). What is being said here, if fully
comprehended, is terrifying. Hell followed the rider of death.AND POWER (or authority) WAS
GIVEN UNTO THEM (plural) OVER THE FOURTH PART (or one-quarter) OF THE EARTH-Rev
6:8. This appears almost unbelievable. As a result of the war, one-quarter of
the earth will die. We might ask, "What on earth could cause such a thing?"
The answer is a war with nuclear weapons. When Russia attacks Israel, will the
United States stand by? We might consider that the United States and Russia
will end up being involved in a nuclear exchange. Do other scriptures support
this? It would seem that they do. This could explain why the United States is
clearly missing from world events, in the Scriptures, during nearly the entire
Tribulation.Also, consider that hell followed
with death, which involved one-fourth of the earth’s population. The Scripture
is indicating that every single person that died went to hell. Well over one
billion people perished to hell. How could this be? Consider, if the Rapture
had just happened, and all born-again believers were gone, the only ones left
on the earth would be the unredeemed. Almost immediately, the great war and
a nuclear exchange occur. Over a billion people die and perish forever. They
perish to hell.Considering the nations that
will be involved in the war, according to the Scriptures, we might recognize
that the majority of the causalities will come from the Middle East, Russia,
Europe, Africa, and from the United States; however, the results will affect
the entire world. Ezek chapters 38 and 39, and many other scriptures, tend to
support this.Power was given to the rider
of the pale horse TO KILL. He kills WITH (or by) SWORD (or war), AND WITH HUNGER
(or famine), AND WITH DEATH (or plagues, or pestilence), AND WITH THE (wild)
BEASTS (or animals) OF THE EARTH-Rev 6:8.

The fourth horse
- death

One-fourth of the
earth dies, over one billion people

They are killed by
war

Through hunger

By plagues or pestilences

By wild animals

All perish to hell

27-IT
IS COME, IT IS DONE

It
is written, BEHOLD, IT IS COME (or coming), AND IT IS (or shall be) DONE, SAITH
THE LORD GOD; THIS IS THE DAY WHEREOF I HAVE SPOKEN-Ezek 39:8.

28-WHAT
IS THE REASON GOD BRINGS RUSSIA AND ITS ALLIES AGAINST ISRAEL?
GOD WILL MAGNIFY HIMSELF SO THE WORLD WILL KNOW THAT HE IS THE LORD

The Rapture has just happened; then the Antichrist comes forward, assumes control
of the EEC, and signs a covenant with Israel. Because of the Rapture, there
are no born-again Christians left on the earth. All those that are left have
rejected Jesus Christ as their only hope of salvation. Many that claimed they
believed on Jesus Christ, refused to allow Him to reign over them. Many that
were left were only lukewarm.God is now going to do something
that will awaken this sinful world (both Israel and the Gentiles) to the fact
that there is a God and that Jesus Christ is the only way to be saved.The Lord then sets up a special
situation. God brings the greatest military invasion force in the history of
the world against the little nation of Israel. This huge army, from many nations,
is so massive that even God calls it a GREAT COMPANY, AND A MIGHTY ARMY-Ezek
38:15. Israel has no chance of winning. God then intercedes supernaturally and
destroys nearly all of this enormous invasion force. God does this in such an
incredible way that both the people of Israel and the world will know that there
is a God and that His name is JESUS. From this point on, many people will be
seeking God. The evangelism of the world will begin to take place through 144,000
male, virgin Jews. Many will get saved, but they will have to face horrible
persecutions. Eventually, many will be martyred for their faith in Jesus.It is written, AND THOU SHALT
COME UP (or advance) AGAINST MY PEOPLE OF ISRAEL…IT SHALL BE IN THE LATTER DAYS
(or days to come, or last days), AND I WILL BRING THEE AGAINST MY LAND, THAT
(or in order) THE HEATHEN (or nations) MAY KNOW ME, WHEN I SHALL BE SANCTIFIED
(or show Myself holy) IN (or through) THEE, O GOG, BEFORE THEIR EYES-Ezek 38:16.THUS WILL I MAGNIFY MYSELF
(or show My greatness), AND SANCTIFY MYSELF; AND I WILL BE KNOWN (or make Myself
known) IN THE EYES OF MANY NATIONS, AND (then) THEY SHALL KNOW THAT I AM THE
LORD-Ezek 38:23.MAGOG, AND…THEM THAT DWELL
CARELESSLY (or in safety) IN THE ISLES…THEY SHALL KNOW THAT I AM THE LORD-Ezek
39:6.SO WILL I MAKE MY HOLY NAME
KNOWN IN THE MIDST OF MY PEOPLE ISRAEL; AND I WILL NOT LET THEM POLLUTE MY HOLY
NAME (or let My holy name be profaned-NIV) ANY MORE: AND THE HEATHEN (or nations)
SHALL KNOW THAT I AM THE LORD, THE HOLY ONE IN ISRAEL-Ezek 39:7.AND I WILL SET (or display)
MY GLORY AMONG THE HEATHEN (or nations), AND ALL THE HEATHEN (or nations) SHALL
SEE MY JUDGMENT (or punishment) THAT I HAVE EXECUTED (or inflict), AND MY HAND
THAT I HAVE LAID UPON THEM. SO THE HOUSE OF ISRAEL SHALL KNOW THAT I AM THE
LORD THEIR GOD FROM THAT DAY AND FORWARD. AND THE HEATHEN (or nations) SHALL
KNOW THAT THE HOUSE (or people) OF ISRAEL WENT INTO CAPTIVITY (or exile) FOR
THEIR INIQUITY (or sin): BECAUSE THEY TRESPASSED (or acted treacherously, or
were unfaithful) AGAINST ME, THEREFORE HID I MY FACE FROM THEM, AND GAVE (or
handed) THEM INTO THE HAND OF THEIR ENEMIES: SO FELL THEY ALL BY THE SWORD.
ACCORDING TO THEIR UNCLEANNESS AND ACCORDING TO THEIR TRANSGRESSIONS (or offenses)
HAVE I DONE UNTO THEM, AND HID MY FACE FROM THEM-Ezek 39:21-24.I WILL BRING (Gog) AGAINST
MY LAND (because):

I will sanctify Myself

I shall be sanctified
in Gog before their eyes

Thus, will I magnify
Myself

I will be known (or
make Myself known) in the eyes of many nations

That the heathen
may know Me

The heathen shall
know that I am the Lord

They shall know that
I am the Lord

I will set My glory
among the heathen

They shall see My
judgment or punishment

The heathen shall
know God is the Holy One in Israel

The heathen shall
see My hand that I have laid upon them

The heathen shall
know that Israel went into captivity for their iniquity

The heathen shall
know Israel was unfaithful

The heathen shall
know that I hid My face from them

The heathen shall
know that I gave Israel into the hands of their enemies, so they fell by
the sword

The heathen shall
know that I have done unto them (Israel) according to their uncleanness
and transgressions

The heathen shall
know I hid My face from Israel

Magog shall know
that I am the Lord

They that dwell safely
in the isles shall know that I am the Lord

I will make My name
known in the midst of My people Israel

So that they will
not pollute God’s holy name anymore

The house of Israel
shall know that I am the Lord their God from that day and forward

29-THE
TIMING OF THE RUSSIAN INVASION OF ISRAEL

Ezekiel
chapter 38 and 39 show clearly why God brings Gog against Israel: so that many
people, both Jew and Gentile, will know there is a God in heaven. Many will
believe and get saved as a result of Gog being supernaturally destroyed. The
destruction of Gog and his armies will be the beginning of a revival during
the first half of the Tribulation, both among the Jews and Gentiles. These things
reveal clearly why the invasion of Israel happens at the beginning of the Tribulation,
soon after the Rapture occurs. The verses covering seal four (showing all who
are killed perish to hell) could not be fulfilled, if this event were to happen
further on in the first part of the Tribulation.

30-AFTER
THE WAR IS OVER (A main commentary)

The war seems to end as fast as it began, leaving perhaps millions of dead bodies
in Israel. The Lord speaks to the predatory birds and to the beasts of the field
to come to His sacrifice and eat the flesh of the dead who invaded Israel, both
of horses and of mighty men. They will eat the fat till they are full. They
will drink the blood till they are drunken with God’s sacrifice.The multitude of weapons of
the invading forces will be burned for fuel seven years; Israel will not need
to cut down any wood out of the forests.They will now rob and spoil
those that robbed and spoiled them.Israel will begin to bury the
remains of the invading forces. All appear to help. It will take seven months.
The land shall be cleansed. Men will be employed and the land shall be searched
for remaining bones. Once a person finds a bone, a sign is placed by it until
it is buried. Gog and his allies shall be buried in the valley of Hamon-gog.
The city there shall be called Hamonah.

31-THE
MULTITUDE OF DEAD BODIES OF THE ARMIES
WILL BE EATEN BY THE BIRDS AND WILD ANIMALS

The
war seems to end as fast as it began. After God has destroyed the massive array
of troops that invaded Israel, there will be, perhaps, millions of dead bodies.
God will give these to the predatory birds and wild animals to eat.

32-THE
WEAPONS ARE BURNED

The
weapons of the dead soldiers will be burned for fuel seven years; because of
this, Israel will not need to take wood out of the fields or forests.

33-ISRAEL
WILL GET THE PLUNDER OF THOSE THAT PLUNDERED THEM

As the invading armies
came to rob and steal from Israel; now Israel will seize the plunder from them.

34-THE
WORLD IN CONFUSION

Consider what has just happened. People were raptured from all over the
world. Nevertheless, one hundred percent of the lukewarm Christian preachers
and lukewarm Christians were left behind. All that did not repent and totally
trust in Jesus Christ were left behind; this includes most preachers that called
themselves a Christian. The number of people raptured may be far fewer than
most people realize. How this will be perceived or understood by the world is
unclear from the Scriptures. Some will recognize the Rapture took place and
that they were left behind. They will be terrified. Others will not understand
and can be expected to just shrug it off as nothing. In our own survey in America,
out of perhaps six hundred people, approximately fifty percent knew absolutely
nothing about what a Rapture was or that it was even coming. In light of all
the other events happening at the same time, we might wonder if, after the Rapture
happens, the event might be buried in the last page of the newspaper or might
not even be carried on the national news at all. If the possibility of a Rapture
is carried by the news media, it may be done in such a way as to cause people
to disbelieve that it really happened. We might expect that the news media will
try to explain it away in some deceptive fashion. It is possible the number
of people raptured will be so few that it will not draw much attention.Following the Rapture, a very
charismatic figure should become the head of the EEC. The Bible calls him the
Antichrist, but the world will perceive him much differently. A covenant or
treaty is confirmed by this man with Israel and other nations.Russia and its allies attack
Israel with the greatest military force ever assembled. The world is plunged
into, what we may call, World War III. One-third of the world becomes involved.
The war lasts only a very short time. God supernaturally destroys the invading
forces. The USA and Russia appear to nearly destroy each other in a nuclear
war. The world experiences the greatest famine they have ever known. As a result,
one out of every four people die. Over one billion people will be dead. It will
take a day’s wages to buy a day’s food.All of these events happen
in rapid succession. At this point, the world will be in a state of shock, unbelief,
and confusion. Most of the world will not understand. They were in spiritual
blindness before the Rapture, and they are in a spiritual blindness afterward.From this point on, both Russia
and the United States appear to be out of the picture. The center stage now
shifts to Europe.

35-A
MAIN COMMENTARY OF WHAT HAPPENS NEXT

From this point on, many different events all begin happening at the same time.
Throughout the world there should be over one billion bodies to be buried. Senseless,
hideous crimes of brutality, murder, stealing, and rape abound; hate, lying,
drugs, and other sin continues to increase and get worse and worse. Wars and
rumors of wars, famines, earthquakes, diseases, wild beasts killing people,
and the like, continue to increase upon the earth. Living conditions, for the
three-fourths of the world's population that survived, will be increasingly
difficult. There will be fearful sights from heaven. Then there is the EEC,
which is a massive economic trading power. Politically, it will have ten kings
or rulers. Eventually, it should engulf the whole world becoming a one-world
economic or governmental system. It will devour the whole earth. It should break
the world into pieces or sections. Nevertheless, there will be divisions, or
disagreements, within this empire. The kingdom will be divided. It is from the
EEC that the Antichrist comes forth.Spiritually, many people should
be seeking the God of the Bible. Revival comes to both Jew and Gentile, because
of the supernatural destruction of Russia and its allies. Some, however, will
have no chance of being saved. This is because they rejected Jesus, choosing
rather to have fun or pleasure in doing wickedness prior to the Rapture.Spiritually, there will also
be great confusion as never before. Satan can be expected to combine every tactic
of persecution and deception he has ever used, from all church ages. Indeed,
the devil can be expected to employ these, and even more, to the fullest possible
extent.There are 144,000 male, virgin
Jews that come forth and evangelize the world for Jesus; many will be saved.
The nations of the world will hate those that turn to Jesus. The followers of
Jesus will be betrayed. They will be greatly hated, persecuted, beaten, and
most will be killed later on. Under the immense, almost overwhelming pressure,
many will turn from their faith in Jesus. One-third of Israel will be saved
and refined.People will deceive others
and be deceived themselves. There will be false Christs and false prophets doing
great signs and wonders to deceive even the elect, if it were possible. There
will be a one-world religious system set up, under the umbrella of the Roman
Catholic Church. On the outside it looks beautiful, but on the inside it is
full of intoxicating abominations. It will be headquartered in Rome. In addition,
there is the Antichrist growing in popularity and fame, much the same as Jesus
did before He was crucified. People will also worship their idols of gold and
silver.Israel continues to bury the
dead bodies of the invading forces, for seven months. Their weapons will be
burned for fuel seven years. Jews throughout the world return to Israel. Israel
speedily begins to build a temple in Jerusalem. Sacrifices will begin as they
once were thousands of years ago. Israel will do evil in the sight of the Lord,
and the Lord will be angry with them. God will continue to bring judgments against
them and against their farm crops.God will continue to make Jerusalem
A BURDENSOME (or heavy) STONE (or immovable rock) FOR ALL PEOPLE-Zech 12:3.All of these things should
be taking place after the Russian invasion of Israel is over, but prior to the
midst of the Tribulation. The midst of the Tribulation is 1260 days from the
end of the Tribulation.The world and world system
will be much different after this devastating war—which we call, World War III.

The Tribulation is a period of time that is like the birth pains of a
woman in labor. As the many events unfold, they get worse and worse. As the
Tribulation progresses, many new dreadful things begin to happen, adding to
the already horrible events that are continuing to get worse and worse. It culminates
with the Battle of Armageddon, when Jesus Christ returns. The birth pains will
have gotten so bad at that point that—if Jesus had not returned exactly when
He does—no life on earth would be saved. However, just as a woman in travail
brings forth new life, in the same way, the return of Jesus and the saints to
the earth begins a new era—one thousand years of peace.To give just a few examples
of the increasing intensity and frequency of events, consider the following.
In the beginning of the Tribulation, there are earthquakes. At the time Jesus
returns, after the Tribulation of those days, there is the greatest earthquake
ever seen, and the cities of the nations fall. Near the beginning of the Tribulation,
one-third of the creatures in the sea that had life will die. Near the end of
the Tribulation, every living soul in the sea dies. Near the beginning of the
Tribulation, one-fourth of humanity dies from the effects of war. Near the end
of the Tribulation, one-third of the world's population dies. At Armageddon,
nearly all life on earth is killed. Sin will also greatly increase. Diseases
can be expected to reach epidemic proportions as the Tribulation progresses.
The persecution and murder of those that get saved during the Tribulation will
get worse and worse. It will be a most terrifying time in which to live.

37-THE
DEAD ARE BURIED THROUGHOUT THE WORLD

The
Bible appears to say nothing about burying the dead throughout the world, except
in Israel. Consider, in the countries that came against Israel, there may be
far more dead than people left alive. Whether or not the dead will ever be buried,
in some countries, is questionable. This may well be the same for the United
States after the nuclear attack by Russia. In areas that have little or no food
reserves, but are heavily dependent upon their farms to survive, the number
of people dying, as a result of starvation, may be overwhelming. One out of
every four people throughout the entire world will be dead. We may expect that
both the domesticated and wild animals, as well as the flesh eating birds, will
have a worldwide feast, as the Bible shows they will in Israel. On the average,
there should be one dead body to be buried for every three people left alive,
including babies and children. Many people that may have had thoughts of waiting
to repent—at a later date—will now be dead. They waited too long.

38-SIN
ABOUNDS

There
is much Scripture covering the wickedness of man during the Tribulation. As
bad as crime and sin is now, it will take a giant plunge for the worse once
the church has been raptured. As the days of Noah were (ref Mt 24:37), so wickedness
shall increase as birth pains prior to the Rapture; they also apply as birth
pains, getting even worse and worse, leading up to the return of Jesus Christ
at Armageddon. Raw hatred, senseless brutality, killing, rioting, stealing,
vandalism, drugs, rape, child molesting, and sinister crimes, which are nearly
unimaginable, can be expected to abound in the earth.

39-PEOPLE
WILL BE COLD,
THEY WILL BE FULL OF HATE TOWARD EACH OTHER

Once
the church is removed, there will be a coldness among many people toward each
other. Many will hate each other.

It is written, AND
THEN SHALL MANY…HATE ONE ANOTHER-Mt 24:10.

It is written, AND
BECAUSE INIQUITY (or wickedness) SHALL ABOUND (or increase), THE LOVE OF
MANY (or most) SHALL WAX (or grow) COLD-Mt 24:12. Many people’s love will
grow colder and colder. Neighbors will abuse and even kill one another

Prior
to the Russian-Arab invasion of Israel, or what we call World War III, there
were already famines in many parts of the world. Millions of people were starving
to death. However, as a result of the nuclear exchange, one-third of the living
creatures in the sea died; one-third of the trees were burned up, which should
also include fruit trees; and all green grass (or farm crops). Global famine
takes place. Food prices soar so high that it takes a day’s wages to buy a day’s
worth of food. Living conditions become increasingly difficult.

41-EARTHQUAKES
SHALL INCREASE

During
the Tribulation, earthquakes will continue to increase in both frequency and
intensity. It is possible this could have something to do with the nuclear exchange
that has taken place also.

42-DISEASES
(OR PESTILENCES) INCREASE

During
the Tribulation, diseases continue to increase. AIDS and other new diseases
can be expected to take more and more lives. Some may be far worse than AIDS,
with no known cure. Old diseases, once thought to be eradicated, may return.
Some current diseases may develop immunity to existing medicines so that nothing
will stop them. These things can be expected to increase as birth pains of a
woman in labor.

43-WILD
BEASTS

There
will also be wild beasts killing people during the first part of the Tribulation.

44-WARS
AND RUMORS OF WARS

As
already noted, World War III takes place at or near the beginning of the Tribulation.
One-fourth of the world's population is killed. However, there will continue
to be other smaller wars between nations, tribes, and other factions. There
will also be rumors of wars. Hatred and killing will abound.

45-GREAT
SIGNS AND FEARFUL SIGHTS FROM HEAVEN

During
the Tribulation, there will be fearful sights and great signs from heaven and
in the earth. Exactly what these things will be is unclear.

46-LIVING
CONDITIONS ARE HORRIBLE

One-fourth of the world's population died, as a result of the war and its aftereffects.
The destruction to certain countries should be enormous. The destruction to
farm crops, trees, livestock, and the fishing industry, will be devastating.
There will be shortages of food. Infectious diseases will be widespread, becoming
worse and worse. Living conditions for all levels of society, rich and poor,
will rapidly decline. One can hardly imagine how it will be to try to bury over
one billion bodies!Crimes, such as murder and
stealing, will be rampant. Surviving will be very difficult. There will be more
and more wars and rumors of wars. Hate will be everywhere.It is written, IN THE LAST
DAYS PERILOUS (or difficult, or trying, or terrible) TIMES SHALL COME-2 Tim
3:1.

FOR WHAT IS ONE OF
THE MOST IN-DEPTH (SCRIPTURE-FILLED) STUDIES ON SIGNS OF THE TIMES, THE
RAPTURE, TRIBULATION, MILLENNIUM, FINAL REBELLION, THE NEW HEAVEN AND
EARTH, NEW JERUSALEM, ETERNITY, AND ALL THE
JUDGMENTS—CLICK
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